John Spell enlisted September 22, 1862 at Camp Fort with Capt. Hopkins. Pvt. Spell was in Co. A then C, 24th Battalion, Georgia Cavalry until, through consolidation of units, he was transferred to Co. D, 7th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry.

On August 23, '64 he was in Jackson Hospital at Richmond with v c. hand shell. A furlough was issued to him for 40 days beginning August 28th. On November 16th he was back in Jackson Hospital, this time with febris int. (intermittent fever). Pvt. John Spell returned to duty December 14, 1864.